War Photographer's Notebook

Chapter 1864 Reunion

“These are the ones”

In the living room of the farmhouse where many people were already sitting, Xia Shushi, who had finished telling all the stories on behalf of Wei Ran, looked at the girls who had been listening quietly.

“Let us introduce ourselves.”

Qianhe put down the teacup and stood up. After bowing respectfully, she said, "Hello, Grandpa Lin. My grandmother is the baby girl Chiyoko who was taken by Hirano Aoi to seek the nuclear power in the history that Mr. Xia just told me."

"Our grandfather is Gentaro in that period of history," the twins of the Hoshino family stood up and bowed and said in unison.

"The child born to Hoshino Ichiro's daughter is my grandfather." Chihiro, who spoke last, introduced herself and stood up and bowed politely.

"Sit there, everyone."

Old man Lin Mingxiang waved his hand and tried to speak in Mandarin with an unavoidable rural accent, "It has come to this, I will also take care of our family members."

At this point, he exchanged a glance with the other old man and old lady whom his daughter-in-law had just invited. After they nodded, he said, "You are my sister Lin Lihua, and the one over there is my brother Zhao Fengyou, who is also the shopkeeper of my sister's family.

He grew up in my home since he was a child, and his father is the Zhao Jingrong in the story you described.

"So, old man, you all remember what happened back then..."

"I know it, Ying'er. I've kept it all in my heart." The old lady named Lin Lihua said gently.

Sitting next to her, Zhao Fengyou, who was wearing a pair of reading glasses, also said, "You are already in your twenties, and my father has explained everything to us, without hiding anything."

Although the dialects of the three old men made the He girls a little confused for a moment, fortunately Wei Ran, Sui Sui, Xia Shushi and Qin Qi could understand them.

From the stories told by Lin Mingxiang, Lin Lihua and even Zhao Fengyou, Wei Ran and others also learned some stories, coincidences and helplessness about the cemetery.

Simply put, that piece of cemetery has always been taken care of by Lin Liuzi. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, every year on Qingming Festival and Laba Festival, Lin Liuzi would take the three of them to sweep the tombs and pay homage.

Later, the three of them grew up one after another. The day after Lin Lihua and Zhao Fengyou, who were childhood sweethearts, got married, Lin Liuzi took the three of them to the Zhang family cemetery in Shengzhou and told them everything in detail.

Later, their father Lin Liuzi passed away, and the task of sweeping the grave twice a year fell on the shoulders of the three of them.

Today, the work of tomb sweeping and worshipping has been passed down from generation to generation to Lin Mingxiang's son, Zhao Fengyou and Lin Lihua's sons and grandchildren along with those hidden heroic stories.

"My son was on a business trip during the New Year. When he and his wife went to visit the grave, I told them all these things."

Lin Mingxiang's son added in a simple and honest manner, as if this was a very natural thing in their ordinary rural family.

"We have also found Zhang Taichuan's biological son"

Xia Shushi said under Wei Ran's hint, "You guys, do you want to go and meet him?"

When this question was asked, Lin Mingxiang's eyes flashed with a moment of vigilance, but soon, he asked again, "Have you burned paper?"

"Been there"

Xia Shushi said, "Zhang Taichuan's son is also named Mingxiang. Zhang Mingxiang also has an adopted son named Lin Yihua, who is here too. Their whole family came from Malaysia, with more than a hundred people in total."

As he spoke, Xia Shushi took out his cell phone and looked at it. "The ceremony of worshipping the ancestors has just started at this time. They will also host a banquet for the neighbors tomorrow."

After saying this, Lin Mingxiang was completely relieved. "Since it's like this, I have to go take a look."

As he said this, he looked at his eldest son who was sitting by the door and said, "Ask Haohao to buy us some train tickets. Let's go today."

"Hit it!"

While speaking, Lin Mingxiang's eldest son took out his cell phone and called his son.

It must be said that this family's efficiency was really high. They had just finished chatting in the living room when Lin Mingxiang's daughter-in-law, the aunt who arranged for Jesus to register in Zhumadian, had already brought out three tables full of sumptuous and authentic meals with Mr. Zhao Fengyou's daughter-in-law and others.

She even learned through the "Village Intelligence Bureau" system outside the courtyard wall that there was someone else in the Iveco outside.

After everyone including the Kajianka sisters and even the driver came to the table, Mr. Lin Mingxiang, his brother, sister and son-in-law, along with their younger generations, drank tea instead of wine and sincerely thanked everyone headed by Xia Shushi. They even gave the four young girls their belated New Year's money according to their seniority during the meal.

After having a sumptuous lunch in this particularly harmonious atmosphere, everyone wasted no time and rushed to the high-speed railway station by bus and boarded the high-speed train to Shengzhou.

"So they don't know what they haven't found?"

When the high-speed train started running again, Xia Shushi whispered to Wei Ran across the aisle.

In the morning's narrative session, they could clearly hear that although Mr. Lin Mingxiang and the other two were very clear about the events before liberation, they did not know much about what happened after liberation.

Their father Lu Minglin, also known as Lin Liuzi back then, did not tell them about what happened after liberation, nor did he mention the whereabouts of the others.

Instead, he was reminding them in his dying moments that if anyone asked about those people, they must keep it confidential. This was probably the reason why Mr. Lin Mingxiang was alert for a moment before lunch.

"It's okay, let them reunite first, I'll talk to the aunt of the second generation later."

Wei Ran said absentmindedly that he just felt regretful that there was one person who might not be able to come, the descendants of Xiao Wu from that year might not be able to come.

"also"

Xia Shushi obviously didn't want to deal with that young aunt either. When he saw Wei Ran agreed to this tough task, he immediately withdrew and started chatting about other topics with Qin Qi who was sitting next to him.

Around nine o'clock in the evening, Wei Ran and others followed Lin Mingxiang's family to Shengzhou, and met up with Qin II who had been waiting outside the high-speed rail station.

“Everything is arranged”

Qin Ershi greeted everyone to get in the car and said, "You are all in the same hotel. Mr. Zhang Mingxiang and Mr. Lin Yihua knew that you could come today and have been waiting."

After that, he pulled Wei Ran a few steps away from the car door, gave him a cigarette, and then helped him light it and said, "Also, my aunt who is still haunting you knows that you want to see her and has already rushed over. It will be up to you to capture her later."

in such a hurry?
Wei Ran raised his eyebrows, and then said unhappily, "Can you use some nice words? What's the point of taking it or not?"

"It all depends on you"

Qin II said nonchalantly, "I have also told those two old gentlemen about your wish to see them. Let's meet later."

"Row"

Wei Ran nodded and agreed, "How did you arrange that Japanese cartoonist?"

"I heard that their family doesn't want to show up?" asked Qin II.

"That's right"

Wei Ran nodded, but did not explain in detail. He just said, "This matter will cause great trouble to their family, but their family is willing to publish everything including the memoirs."

"understand"

Qin II nodded and said, "Leave the rest to me. I'll take care of it. I believe the cartoonist is willing to do it for me."

"Let him take the lead?" Wei Ran raised his eyebrows.

“All voluntary”

Qin II said, "So someone talked to him today. Yang Dou's idea is that he wants to create comics first. He plans to attach those cruel photos at the end of each page."

"Do you think he is promising?" Wei Ran asked involuntarily.

“Not optimistic”

Although Qin II looked out of tune, he was exceptionally sober and frank. "But those who go against the current are always the minority who are not favored. It is surprising enough that he can do what he has done now. No matter where he goes, it will be a surprise to us."

“It’s exactly the same as it was back then.”

"what?"

"No, it's nothing."

Wei Ran waved his hand, put out the cigarette he had just smoked, turned around and walked towards the door of the bus, "Let's get on too."

Qin II thought about it thoughtfully but didn't ask any more questions. He also put out his cigarette and got into the bus.

When they arrived at the hotel entrance by car, although it was already late, there were still many people waiting at the entrance.

In such a scene, no matter Wei Ran, Xia Shushi, Emperor Qin II or even the girls, they all wisely hid in the car and did not get out.

It was not until Lin Mingxiang and his family walked into the hotel and were welcomed by the people waiting for them, and went upstairs after checking in, that Wei Ran and others got out of the car and walked into the hotel under the leadership of Qin II.

While Sui Sui and others were checking in, Wei Ran followed Qin Ershi to the parking lot and finally stopped in front of an ordinary van.

"I won't sit in on the class. I'm exhausted after a long day and I'm in a hurry to go back and take a shit."

After Qin II finished speaking, he opened the car door and turned around and ran away without caring what Wei Ran and the people in the business van said.

"Mr. Wei, please come in and sit down."

Jiaya, who was sitting in the carriage, invited him gently, as if she didn't care at all about Qin II who was escaping under the pretext of defecation.

"We meet again"

As Wei Ran spoke, he bent down and got into the car with his briefcase, then closed the door.

"I wonder what Miss Jiaya wants me to find?" Wei Ran asked directly. "It depends on what Mr. Wei can find." Jiaya kicked the ball back, but refused to mention more details.

“We could have been more honest.”

Wei Ran shook his head helplessly, then under Jiaya's curious gaze, he opened his briefcase, took out three photo albums that were originally placed in the metal book that was given to him as a reward in the makeup box, and handed them over.

"This is what I found," Wei Ran said frankly.

After a slight hesitation, Jiaya took the three photo albums.

However, after just turning the first page of one of the books, her eyes widened and she asked almost subconsciously, "Where did you find it?!"

Wei Ran did not answer, but just looked at the other person with a smile on his face.

"Sorry, I'm just too curious." Jiaya immediately realized something and said apologetically.

"We are friends"

Wei Ran said bluntly, "I am friends with the Second Master, and I have received a lot of help from him. I consider myself a friend of Miss Jiaya, and I have also received a lot of help from you."

"I agree with this precious friendship," Jiaya answered seriously after closing the photo album.

“I found these three photo albums in Indonesia”

Wei Ran said, "The rest is a business secret. I hope Miss Jiaya can understand."

"I fully understand," Jiaya replied very seriously.

"In that case, how about the thing being found by Xia Shushi?" Wei Ran asked with a smile.

"Mr. Wei doesn't seem to want to be famous in the country?" Jiaya asked curiously.

"It's okay for Ms. Jiaya to understand this way."

Wei Ran nodded indifferently, "I just hope to live a peaceful life in my country without being disturbed by anyone."

"Okay," Jiaya nodded, agreeing to the matter.

"I have been frank enough. I have nothing to hide except my business secrets." Wei Ran spread his hands and said.

Jia Ya obviously knew what Wei Ran was hinting at. After putting the photo album aside, she smiled and responded, "It is indeed a coincidence that the cartoonist in your circle of friends and the second generation is connected with some people. Of course, it can also be called an accident."

“I never doubt my friends”

Wei Ran smiled and emphasized, "Whether it's the Second Emperor, Zhong Zhen, Xia Shushi, or Miss Jiaya."

Jiaya smiled and continued, "I don't know much more than you do. I don't even know if these photo albums you brought are what some of my friends are looking for, but I will keep your business secrets confidential."

"Thank you very much, Miss Jiaya."

Wei Ran replied with a smile. He must have his reasons for taking out the three photo albums so straightforwardly without any explanation.

Now, whether it is Hela, who has both light and dark sides, or Morpheus who raises a large number of mentally ill people, or the completely legal succubus, or even Wei Ran himself, it is time for them to show their muscles and demonstrate their value.

These three photo albums are a perfect opportunity.

"My friends probably won't let Mr. Wei help them for nothing."

“Just do something useful for the country.”

Wei Ran smiled and opened the car door without waiting for the other party to finish speaking, "Ms. Jia Ya, if there is nothing else, I will go back first. I don't need any reward for this matter, and please don't bother with it."

"That's good too," Jiaya said, "Mr. Wei, go to bed early."

"Ms. Jiaya, one last question." Wei Ran, who had already walked out of the car, asked before helping her close the door.

"Please go ahead, Mr. Wei," Jiaya, who was still sitting in the car and had no intention of getting out, said gently.

"Have the descendants of Xiaowu in the story come?" Wei Ran finally asked.

After a slight hesitation, Jiaya sighed and gave an answer, "We spent a lot of money to hire a photographer from Wan Island to record these. Mr. Wei, if it is convenient for you tomorrow, please help take a photo for everyone, including the photographer from Wan Province."

"no problem"

Wei Ran was completely relieved. "Film photos are okay, right? I'm only good at using film cameras."

"Photographers should use film cameras. Good night, Mr. Wei."

Jiaya smiled and gave her final blessing, and at the same time, she closed the car door together with Wei Ran who was outside the car.

"Good night, Miss Jiaya."

Wei Ran smiled and gave his last blessing, then turned and walked towards the hotel gate - next it was time to meet Zhang Taichuan's son.

Almost at the moment when he walked into the hotel and met Qin Ershi who had been waiting for him in the lounge area, a man in a suit got out of a car nearby, opened Jiaya's car door and got in.

"Let's see"

Jiaya said nonchalantly, "Are these the things you lost back then?"

"Indeed, this person is really..."

"It's not him," Jiaya said casually, "it was found by Xia Shushi."

"Ms. Jiaya, no need."

"I said, it was Xia Shushi who found it." Jiaya corrected seriously.

"That's what Mr. Xia found."

The visitor said nonchalantly, "Where did he find it?"

"Let me think"

Jiaya glanced at her good nephew who was chatting with friends at the entrance of the hotel, and said with a smile, "It was found from the recruitment center. Before the Sixth Master and the Master Zhongtang left, they entrusted the things to Gentaro to take away, and they only found it recently."

"Then Miss Yijiaya found it from the recruitment process." The visitor answered while putting away the photo album.

"So much the better"

Jiaya nodded in satisfaction and waved her hand. The man who had put away the photo album simply opened the car door and returned to the car next to it.

Without waiting for the door to close, the car started, left the hotel with the roar of the engine, and disappeared into the night.

At the same time, Wei Ran also met up with the He girls who were already waiting for him, and under the leadership of Qin II, they came to the door of a conference room in the hotel.

"Mr. Zhang Mingxiang, Mr. Lin Yihua, and Mr. Lin Mingxiang and Mr. Zhao Fengyou who came with you are all inside."

Before opening the door, Qin II said, "I will not be involved in what happens next."

"Alright"

Wei Ran nodded, and after Qin II helped him open the door, he took the four He girls into the not-so-large conference room.

As the five of them walked in, the four old gentlemen who had been chatting happily became quiet and all looked at Wei Ran and the four girls behind him with interest.

"Dear old gentlemen"

Wei Ran got straight to the point and said, "I'm here on behalf of Gentaro's son."

"Please take a seat, young man."

The old man who looked like Zhang Mingxiang said gently, "You girls, please sit down too."

"thank you"

The girls bowed respectfully and sat down at the table. They also looked at Wei Ran curiously. They also had no idea what Hoshino Hayato had talked about with him.

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Wei Ran smiled, and calmly took out the ink and a stack of A4 paper he had prepared in advance from his briefcase. Then he took out the jewelry box, opened it, took out the double-sided seal that Hayato Hoshino gave him, dipped it in the ink, and printed the contents on the upper and lower sides on the paper.

"Mr. Hayato Hoshino asked me to give this seal to the owner of the Mingxiang Opera Troupe."

Wei Ran said with a smile, "As for these lovely and beautiful girls, I won't introduce them. If the old gentlemen have any questions, they can ask them. I won't bother you too much. In addition, please go to bed early."

Having said that, Wei Ran stood up before anyone could react, carrying his briefcase and temporarily left the meeting room to meet up with Qin II who was still waiting for him outside.

"Why did you come out too?" Qin II asked curiously.

"You know what you're asking, right?"

Wei Ran took the cigarette handed to him and said, "If you knew I would come out, could you have waited for me here?"

"It's easier to talk with smart people," Qin II smiled, "Come with me, let's find a place to sit down."

"Go, go."

Wei Ran smiled and followed the other person into the elevator.