The Republic of China: I, Xiangzi, a Hero in a Chaotic Era

Master Liu pushed open the door to the main room in the middle of the house.

The main room was extremely spacious and bright. Facing the wall was a magnificent large table made of rosewood with upturned ends. The tabletop was so smooth that it reflected a person's image, and the grain of the wood was like clouds and mist.

On the long table, in the center, stood a large blue-and-white porcelain vase with a landscape design, over a foot tall, containing a brand-new peacock feather. To the left of the vase was a Western-style clock with a mahogany frame, its brass pendulum swinging rhythmically.

On the right is a Duan inkstone, with a sandalwood inkstone box, and next to it is a jade-handled wolf-hair brush.

Above the long table on the wall hangs a newly framed ink landscape painting, with swirling clouds and mist, creating a profound and distant artistic conception.

In front of the long table was a similarly made rosewood eight-immortal table, with a wide and heavy tabletop. Beside the table were four armchairs, with simple cloud patterns carved on the backs and armrests, and covered with brand-new dark green brocade cushions with floral patterns.

On either side of the octagonal table, against the east and west walls, are two official hat chairs and a high-legged tea table, all made of exquisite materials.

The floor is paved with polished square tiles, as smooth as a mirror.

The roof beams and rafters had been freshly painted, exuding the fresh scent of wood and tung oil. The entire hall was furnished in a grand and dignified manner, with furniture made of fine hardwood. Although there were no excessive carvings, the materials and workmanship exuded an understated luxury and a brand-new feel.

"Chief, the main room is the proper place for receiving guests and having meals."

Liu Jiaxiang nodded slightly, and then Fourth Master Liu led Liu Jiaxiang on a tour of each of the side rooms.

After everything was over, the two returned to the spacious and bright main room.

Liu Siye stood beside the octagonal table, nervously rubbing his hands together, his back slightly hunched, his deeply lined face covered with a cautious smile, and beads of sweat seeped from his forehead.

He carefully observed every subtle expression on Liu Jiaxiang's face as he paced around the room, scrutinizing it.

"Chief Liu,"

Master Liu's voice trembled slightly as he tentatively began to speak.

"You...you see this house, is it...is it to your liking? The location, the layout, and all the furniture and decorations, are you satisfied?"

Liu Jiaxiang had already walked to the rosewood octagonal table, and stretched out his slender fingers to gently brush across the smooth, cool surface.

His gaze swept over the blue-and-white porcelain vase and the clock on the table, then over the landscape painting on the wall, and finally landed on Master Liu's face, which was filled with tension and anticipation.

Then Liu Jiaxiang's lips slowly turned upwards, forming a gentle and profound smile.

"The house is nice."

Liu Jiaxiang's voice was calm and even, revealing little emotion.

"The place is quiet, the layout is square, and it has everything it needs. Thank you for your trouble, Master Liu."

He paused, tapped his fingers lightly twice on the table, making a soft tapping sound, and turned his gaze to Master Liu.

"I wonder how much this house is worth. If the price is right, I'll buy it."

Liu Siye's heart felt as if it had been squeezed hard by those two knocks.

He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and the humble smile on his face instantly became extremely fervent, with an almost exaggerated earnestness. He took two quick steps forward and bowed even deeper.

"Oh dear, Director Liu! You flatter me so much!"

Liu Siye's voice rose a few decibels, carrying a deliberate urgency and "sincerity".

"I'm glad you're satisfied! I'm glad you're satisfied! This house... this house is a special gift from me to show my respect to you! How could I let you spend so much money!"

He waved his hand repeatedly, as if Liu Jiaxiang's words had tainted his feelings.

"I personally oversaw the purchase of this house, and all the furniture and furnishings were brand new, inside and out! Consider it... consider it a small token of my respect and filial piety to you, sir!"

He patted his chest, making a soft thumping sound.

"Seeing you, a newly appointed official, working tirelessly for the country and its people, yet having no proper place to stay and having to make do in your duty room these past few days... it truly pains me!"

"Please give me, Liu Si, a chance, let me show some filial piety!"

"From now on, my family and the car factory in this area of ​​Xisi North will all depend on your help! Please grant me this small request!"

Liu Siye's face showed the piety of a filial son and grandson.

Liu Jiaxiang watched his performance quietly, his smile still gentle, but his eyes held a cold indifference deep within.

He remained silent for a moment, as if seriously "considering" this weighty "filial piety."

The only sounds in the main room were the monotonous ticking of the Western clock and Master Liu's slightly heavy breathing.

Finally, Liu Jiaxiang slowly nodded, his gentle smile seemingly carrying a hint of "reluctance".

"Since you've been so kind and insistent,"

His voice was calm, carrying the air of someone in a superior position.

"Then I won't refuse."

A huge weight was lifted from Liu Siye's heart, and the immense pain was instantly replaced by a sense of relief and joy, almost causing him to collapse.

He suppressed his excitement, a smile blooming like a chrysanthemum on his face, and bowed deeply to Liu Jiaxiang, his voice trembling with emotion:

"Thank you so much, Director Liu! Thank you so much, Director Liu! I...I am deeply grateful! I am eternally thankful!"

Looking at his almost kneeling posture, Liu Jiaxiang continued calmly:

"Master Liu, you're a sensible man. From now on, as long as you do your business peacefully in Xisi North, pull your rickshaw dutifully, don't cause trouble, and don't give me any trouble,"

He paused, his gaze landing squarely on Master Liu.

"You have your own peaceful and happy times."

These words were like a reassurance, yet also like a sword hanging over one's head.

Master Liu heard it clearly. He had spent nearly a thousand silver dollars just for Liu Jiaxiang's words.

He bowed deeply again, his voice filled with utmost respect:

"Yes! Yes! I will certainly remember Director Liu's teachings! I will behave myself and never cause you any trouble! Thank you for your kindness, Director Liu! Thank you for your kindness, Director Liu!"

After viewing the house, it was nearly noon. Master Liu was not about to miss this opportunity to further "show his loyalty," and insisted on inviting Liu Jiaxiang to dine at "Tongheju," the best restaurant nearby.

Inside the private room, a table laden with delicacies was laid out. Master Liu was extremely attentive, personally serving the food and urging people to drink, his mouth full of flattery and gratitude, as if he had willingly and joyfully given away the house.

Liu Jiaxiang accepted it calmly, occasionally raising his glass in acknowledgment, saying little and with a composed expression.

The meal was a great success for both the host and guests.

Just as the dinner was about to end, there was a gentle knock on the door of the private room.

A thin, middle-aged man wearing a blue cloth long gown and a melon-shaped hat walked in, carrying a mahogany tray with a thick kraft paper envelope on it.

This man was the broker from the brokerage firm that Master Liu had found.

"Master Liu, the things you asked me to do have been done."

The broker bowed and scraped to Master Liu, then gave Liu Jiaxiang, who was seated at the head of the table, a fawning smile, and respectfully placed the tray on the mahogany round table in front of Liu Jiaxiang.