Chapter 94 — The Overseas Students
Shanghai.
Steward Sun Fu had already arranged the house. Most residences in Shanghai were Western-style houses, much smaller than those in the Northern territories, but the house was grand and well-located.
Sun Fu personally went to the dock to pick up Lord Bai Jiu. Upon meeting, he first greeted him with a bow and a warm smile.
Lord Bai Jiu said, “No need for formalities. How is the preparation?”
Sun Fu replied, “Rest assured, everything has been prepared. Fearing any disturbances, I took the liberty of purchasing the surrounding few houses as well. The courtyard is a bit small, but it’s usable once tidied up. I transplanted some Western-style crabapple trees here; the rest I left untouched, so you can inspect and let me know if anything else is needed.”
Lord Bai Jiu nodded. “Much obliged.”
Sun Fu smiled. “It’s nothing. Knowing your ship was arriving today, I hardly slept all night, just eagerly awaiting your arrival!”
A row of black sedan chairs was parked ahead. Lord Bai Jiu entered one, while Zhang Huwei and the others immediately got into adjacent vehicles without being told—they were accustomed to moving this way.
Sun Fu had been thorough in his arrangements; a few green-skinned tangerines were placed inside the cars.
Lord Bai Jiu tried to reach for Xie Jing’s hand, but Xie Jing raised his own hand first to take a tangerine. He held one to his nose, sniffed it, and softly said, “Master, this is enough for me.”
Lord Bai Jiu did not mind and still held his hand, speaking calmly, “No need for restraint at home; it’s the same here.”
Seeing the seriousness in his expression, Xie Jing did not pull his hand back and instead fidgeted with the tangerine with his other hand as Lord Bai Jiu led him along.
The Western-style house Sun Fu had purchased was quiet and serene. French plane trees lined the surrounding streets. Several houses surrounded the largest central one, with shrubs and small trees separating them. A small fountain in front ensured the owners’ privacy. Sun Fu had assigned Zhang Huwei and others to live in the front and back annexes to ensure Lord Bai Jiu’s safety.
The East Courtyard brought along mainly the younger generation of stewards, with few family members. Since Bai Hongqi had previously invested in a car dealership in Shanghai and purchased several nearby buildings, those were usually unused. They had now been tidied up for temporary accommodation. Some preferred solitude and rented nearby houses. Since Grandma Kou was not part of the East Courtyard, Xie Jing, concerned she might feel constrained, rented a street-facing house nearby for her and Li Yuan.
The street-facing house could also function as a shop. The area was lively and convenient. Xie Jing thought that since the elderly lady would be idle anyway, having a little income might make her feel at ease.
However, Grandma Kou felt unwell after disembarking, claiming seasickness. Xie Jing, worried, called a doctor. Only when the doctor said it was nothing serious and she just needed rest did he relax.
Li Yuan said, “I’ll take care of grandma here. You go handle your affairs. If anything happens, I’ll come to Bai’s house to find you. I know the way.”
Xie Jing nodded. He went out briefly and returned with a technician to install a telephone.
He taught Li Yuan how to use it: “If anything happens to grandma, call me immediately.”
Li Yuan learned it after two tries and nodded. “Okay.”
When Xie Jing returned to Lord Bai Jiu, the courtyard gate displayed a sign reading “East Courtyard.” Inside, someone was busy near the Western-style crabapple trees, and two magnolia trees had been planted, mirroring their positions back in the North.
Xie Jing went upstairs. Lord Bai Jiu was retrieving a book from the new shelves. Although the books were neatly arranged, they were not in the usual order he preferred.
Xie Jing immediately went over, stood on tiptoe, and picked out a book. “Master, the one you were reading before is here.”
Lord Bai Jiu smiled behind him and took the book. “Thank you.”
Xie Jing was puzzled. Later that evening, he noticed a small wooden ladder in the study, specially made for him.
Xie Jing: “…”
At dinner, Bai Mingyu came over and frowned upon seeing Xie Jing still drinking something afterward. “How old are you? Why are you still drinking milk?”
Xie Jing finished his cup. “Master had it prepared for me. You also have some.”
Someone brought over a cup and placed it on the table: “Second Young Master, Lord Bai Jiu prepared one for you too. The milk has been warmed; drink it quickly.”
Bai Mingyu complained verbally but drank it anyway.
The milk had sugar added and tasted quite good.
He accompanied Xie Jing for three days before realizing it was meant to help him grow taller. He teased Xie Jing but drank as much as he could himself. Though already tall, he hoped to grow taller and stronger. Northern girls loved tall and broad men; he secretly drank milk to get taller, imagining how aunt would compare him with the lean men from Fujian and be impressed.
Lord Bai Jiu’s bedroom also differed from before. He slept on a Western-style soft bed with a canopy, distinct from the previous arrangement.
Xie Jing, used to a bed, gradually adapted over a few days.
One morning, sounds came from the courtyard. Xie Jing, half-awake, was about to get up but Lord Bai Jiu held him from behind, coaxing, “It’s still early. Sleep a little longer.”
Rubbing his eyes, Xie Jing whispered hoarsely, “It’s daylight, Master. I want to go check outside.”
Lord Bai Jiu chuckled. “Are you a little dog? Eyes open, and you want to run out already. Not allowed.”
Xie Jing: “Someone’s outside.”
Lord Bai Jiu: “Hmm, I asked Sun Fu to tidy the yard. It’ll be completely done in a couple of days.”
He leaned closer, sniffing Xie Jing’s faint milky scent, making him smell like a child.
After lying for a while, Xie Jing again expressed his desire to go out. This time Lord Bai Jiu did not stop him and released him.
Xie Jing stood aside, dressing in his new Shanghai student uniform, slightly different from the Northern style—more upright in the upper body. Lord Bai Jiu seemed satisfied and helped button his uniform.
Xie Jing lowered his eyes briefly. “Master, you had given me a uniform like this before. I thought it meant you were sending me to study in Beiping.”
“Villain preemptively blames me,” Lord Bai Jiu pinched his nose. “You know I can’t leave you.”
From the third-floor window, one could see the courtyard, where someone was planting a tree. Xie Jing watched as Lord Bai Jiu embraced him from behind, resting his chin on his head, laughing lightly, “Don’t worry, Jing’er. Treat it as home.”
Initially, Xie Jing didn’t understand. Only after seeing the newly planted tree did he realize the meaning.
Sun Fu personally oversaw the planting and watering. Seeing Xie Jing, he smiled, “Little Xie, what do you think? It’s like the one we had in the North, isn’t it? A few days ago, Master asked me to find a persimmon tree, one that bears sweet fruit. I searched several days and found one from Putuo Mountain. Now it’s planted; by late autumn, you can enjoy persimmons.”
The courtyard now had a persimmon tree, tall and dense.
Leaves rustled in the wind. Xie Jing squinted at it—just like back in the North.
Lord Bai Jiu, fearing he would not adapt to life in the south, brought all the familiar things to accompany him.
After a few days of rest, someone came with a formal visiting card requesting an audience.
The Bai family had four major trading houses—Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern. Eastern coastal houses were mostly in Jiaozhou Bay, trading in textiles, dyes, and related businesses. Recently, Lord Bai Jiu had conducted many machinery trades. The Eastern house head had arrived in Shanghai a few days early to await Lord Bai Jiu’s arrival.
Tall and from Shandong, the head of the Eastern house entered the study in a long gown and jacket, speaking with Lord Bai Jiu for a while.
He said, “Master, Shanghai is insular. You could build a factory, but there are many textile and dye factories here. It may not be the best time; you should wait for the right opportunity.”
Lord Bai Jiu said, “Not that. The skilled workers I asked you about for the dye factory—did you bring them?”
The house head didn’t understand fully but nodded. “I brought them, Master. But they only know the work, not the formulations.”
Lord Bai Jiu: “Knowing how to work is enough.”
Bai family’s business in Shanghai was minimal—aside from Bai Hongqi’s small car dealership, nothing else. Since the field was blank, it was easier to manage. Lord Bai Jiu spent a few days planning in the study, and soon the overseas students arrived.
Wang Jingqiu and several others had lost weight over three months of travel but appeared spirited.
Lord Bai Jiu welcomed them and asked about the factory. They confidently explained their knowledge, showing thorough preparation and even submitted thick planning documents.
Lord Bai Jiu glanced through them and appreciated their enthusiasm. Closing the documents, he said, “Rest for a few days. In a couple of days, we’ll go out. I plan to acquire a dye factory in the Eastern suburbs; your skills will all be useful.”
They agreed and went downstairs.
Wang Jingqiu walked last, noticing a clear desk in Lord Bai Jiu’s study with a plate of Buddha’s hand fruit and a papaya. He sniffed, recognizing the familiar scent. The ripe papaya exuded the fragrance of osmanthus and tangerines—his last memory of home from his years abroad. It felt like he was back in the East Courtyard study, bidding farewell to Mr. Huang years ago.
Years would pass without regret.
Lord Bai Jiu discussed one dye factory and planned to purchase a block in the Eastern suburbs for industrial development, including spinning and dyeing.
Xie Jing accompanied Lord Bai Jiu outside for several busy days.
One day, Lord Bai Jiu received a banquet invitation and prepared to leave.
Xie Jing helped him dress, straightening his collar. Lord Bai Jiu said, “I’ve started investigating your family situation. It’s a bit complicated. Once I have clarity, I’ll tell you. These few days are just social visits. I’ll take Bai Mingyu with me. You can have a few days off to accompany your family.”
Xie Jing agreed.
Lord Bai Jiu added, “Pick a few men from Zhang Huwei’s team. Being new here, having someone with you ensures safety.”
Xie Jing: “Alright.”
He chose four or five men, all familiar companions from hunting trips, skilled at horseback riding and shooting.
Xie Jing returned home and told Grandma Kou only that he had been promoted, not that these men were sent by Lord Bai Jiu.
Grandma Kou believed him. After the guards left, she sighed, “This is better. Rather than relying on others, one must have their own abilities.”
Seeing her wan, sickly face, Xie Jing asked a few questions out of concern. Grandma Kou still harbored some resentment toward the Xie family of Sichuan, requiring time to heal.
Xie Jing comforted her, “Grandma, it’s fine. I can manage the family business myself without outside help.”
Author’s Note:
Mini Scene:
Drinking Milk Edition—
Xie Jing held the cup, sipping milk slowly.
Bai Mingyu (boldly): Ton ton ton!
Xie Jing looked at him.
Bai Mingyu: Ton ton ton ton ton—!
